Day 24 of 75 Soft: Listening to My Body (and My Legs!)

Day 24 is in the books, and today was all about making adjustments that actually make sense for where I’m at right now.

I went into this phase of my journey feeling strong and motivated, especially after adding the 10 lb weighted vest into my routine. It’s been a great way to level up my walks and push myself a little harder. But today, reality hit me in a very real (and very humbling) way.

Living on the 3rd floor is no joke.

Climbing those stairs once? Fine. Twice a day? Manageable. But doing it while wearing an extra 10 pounds strapped to my body? Absolutely brutal. By the time I made it up, my legs were on fire, my lungs were working overtime, and I had one of those moments where I had to stop and think, “Okay… this might not be the smartest move.”

So today, I made a decision: I’m only wearing my weighted vest during my evening walks.

And honestly? It felt like the right call.

This journey isn’t about punishing myself or pushing to the point of burnout. It’s about consistency, sustainability, and learning how to work with my body instead of against it. The stairs alone are already a built-in workout, and adding extra weight on top of that—twice a day—was just too much for where I am right now.

My evening walk still felt strong, and wearing the vest then gave me that extra challenge I was looking for—without completely draining me earlier in the day.

If there’s one thing I’m really starting to understand, it’s that progress doesn’t come from doing the absolute most at all times. It comes from showing up, making smart choices, and adjusting when needed.

Today wasn’t about doing less—it was about doing better.

And I’m proud of that.

On to Day 25.

Day 23 of 75 Soft: Listening to My Body (and the Weather)

Day 23 is in the books, and today was a reminder that this journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency and making choices that still move me forward.

I had every intention of sticking to my usual routine, including my swim, but when the time came, it was just a little too cold outside for me to feel motivated to get in the water. Instead of forcing it and risking a miserable workout (or talking myself out of everything altogether), I made the decision to skip the swim today—and honestly, I feel good about that choice.

Because here’s the thing: I still showed up.

I completed my 45-minute walks, and I didn’t just go through the motions—I pushed myself. I wore my 10 lb weighted vest and walked at a 2.5 speed with a 2.5 incline. It wasn’t easy, but it felt strong. Every step felt intentional, like I was building endurance not just physically, but mentally too.

I’m learning that progress doesn’t always look like doing everything perfectly. Sometimes it looks like adjusting, pivoting, and still putting in the work. Today was one of those days.

There’s a big difference between making an excuse and making a smart decision. Skipping the swim wasn’t me quitting—it was me choosing a path that still kept me aligned with my goals.

And that’s what 75 Soft is really teaching me: balance, discipline, and self-awareness.

On to Day 24—stronger, wiser, and still showing up.

Day 22 of 75 Soft: Adding a Little Extra Weight (Literally)

Day 22 of 75 Soft, and I’m really starting to feel the shift—not just physically, but mentally too. The routine is becoming second nature, and I’m finding new ways to challenge myself and keep things interesting.

Today marked a small but powerful upgrade to my workouts… I started wearing a weighted vest.

At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve already been consistent with my walks, gym time, and swimming, so adding extra weight felt like it might be a lot. But honestly? It felt empowering. Every step felt more intentional, every minute a little more earned. It’s like I turned up the intensity without having to completely change my routine.

Wearing the vest during my walks made me realize just how strong I’m becoming. What used to feel like a challenge is now my baseline—and now I’m building on top of that. Yes, it’s heavier. Yes, I can feel it. But that’s the point. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones.

I also love that this change is simple but effective. I didn’t need to reinvent my schedule or spend extra hours working out. I just added resistance to what I’m already doing. It’s a reminder that progress doesn’t always require big, dramatic changes—sometimes it’s the small tweaks that make the biggest difference.

Mentally, this felt like a level-up moment. Like I’m not just going through the motions anymore—I’m actively pushing myself forward. There’s something really motivating about choosing to make things harder, knowing it’s going to make me stronger in the long run.

Of course, I’m still listening to my body. I’m pacing myself, making sure my form stays solid, and not overdoing it—especially with my past leg injury. This journey isn’t about rushing; it’s about consistency and sustainability.

Day 22 feels strong. It feels intentional. And it feels like I’m stepping into a new phase of this journey—one where I’m not just showing up, but leveling up.

Let’s see what Day 23 brings. 💪

Day 21 of 75 Soft: Finding My Rhythm (and Loving the Water)

Day 21… three full weeks into this journey, and I can honestly say something is starting to click.

Not every day feels easy, but today felt good. The kind of good where you realize you’re no longer just pushing yourself—you’re actually settling into a rhythm that works.

This morning started like usual, sticking to the routine I’ve been building since the move. Getting to the gym, staying consistent, and showing up even on the days when I’d rather stay comfortable. That alone is a win.

But what really stood out today was my 30-minute swim.

There’s just something about being in the water that feels different from everything else. It’s not just a workout—it’s almost therapeutic. No pressure on my joints, no stress on my leg, just smooth, steady movement. I focused on keeping a consistent pace, controlling my breathing, and letting myself enjoy the process instead of rushing through it.

And honestly? I felt strong.

Not “perfect,” not “fast,” but strong. And that matters more than anything right now.

What I’m starting to notice is that these small, consistent efforts are adding up. The structure I’ve built—gym time, movement, and now swimming—is becoming part of my lifestyle instead of something I have to force.

That doesn’t mean every moment is easy. There are still times when motivation dips or when I question how far I still have to go. But days like today remind me that progress isn’t just about the scale—it’s about how I feel, how I move, and how I show up for myself.

Three weeks down, and I’m still here. Still committed. Still pushing forward.

And that alone is something to be proud of.

On to Day 22.